What Do You Serve with a Taco Bowl? Delicious Side Dishes and Pairings
Taco bowls are packed with flavorful ingredients like seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and toppings such as salsa and guacamole. But if you’re wondering, “What do you serve with a taco bowl?”, there are plenty of delicious side dishes and accompaniments to elevate your meal. Whether you’re looking for something light, crunchy, or indulgent, this guide will walk you through the best sides to complement your taco bowl.
What Do You Serve with a Taco Bowl? Why Pairing Sides Matters
Taco bowls are hearty on their own. However, pairing them with the right sides can significantly enhance the dining experience and balance out flavors. For instance, crunchy chips or refreshing salads add texture and variety to your plate. Furthermore, the right side can transform a simple taco bowl into a more festive meal.
When deciding what to serve with a taco bowl, consider how the sides complement the ingredients in the bowl. Light, refreshing sides work well with rich, savory bowls, while warm, starchy sides balance out lighter, veggie-based bowls. By selecting the right side dish, you can enhance the overall dining experience.
7 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with a Taco Bowl
Wondering what to serve with a taco bowl to make your meal complete? Here are some tried-and-true side dishes that complement taco bowls perfectly.
1. Tortilla Chips with Salsa or Guacamole
One of the most popular choices to serve with a taco bowl is a side of tortilla chips. You can pair them with salsa, guacamole, or queso dip for a crunchy texture.
- Why it works: The chips provide crunch, which contrasts the softness of rice, beans, and meats in the taco bowl. Additionally, salsa and guacamole enhance the flavor and add extra texture.
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Grilled corn with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese, known as Mexican street corn, is a flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with taco bowls.
- Why it works: The corn’s sweetness and smoky flavors balance the savory, spicy elements of a taco bowl. Serving elote with a taco bowl brings extra richness to the meal.
3. Black Bean and Corn Salad
For a lighter side, a black bean and corn salad works beautifully. This dish combines black beans, corn, diced red peppers, onions, and a citrus dressing to add brightness to your meal.
- Why it works: This salad brings freshness and crunch, balancing out taco bowls filled with heavier ingredients like meats and grains. It’s a great option if you’re wondering what pairs well with a taco bowl.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice
If your taco bowl already uses a different base, adding a side of cilantro lime rice can easily enhance the meal. It’s fragrant and adds a zesty flavor that complements the bowl’s bold flavors.
- Why it works: The lime and cilantro add a refreshing lift, especially when paired with bold, spicy taco bowls. If you’re thinking about what to serve with a taco bowl for extra flavor, cilantro lime rice is a great option.
5. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a protein-rich, comforting side to serve with taco bowls. You can use black beans or pinto beans, seasoned with garlic and cumin for added depth.
- Why it works: Refried beans add creaminess and heartiness. They also complement the flavors of a taco bowl, especially if you’re aiming for a more filling meal.
6. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and onions add smoky flavors to the mix. Serve them as a healthy side that enhances the freshness and spices of a taco bowl.
- Why it works: The charred vegetables bring depth and richness. In contrast, they also add a light, healthy touch, making them ideal if you want to know what vegetables go well with a taco bowl.
7. Pico de Gallo or Fresh Tomato Salad
If you’re looking for something fresh, pico de gallo or a tomato-based salad pairs beautifully with a taco bowl. The combination of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and jalapeños adds a pop of brightness to your meal.
- Why it works: Pico de gallo provides a refreshing crunch that works well with the heavier proteins in a taco bowl. If you’re deciding what to serve with a taco bowl to balance the richness, this is a perfect choice.
What to Serve with a Taco Bowl for a Party or Crowd
If you’re hosting a gathering or feeding a group, consider larger side dishes and drinks that pair well with taco bowls. These crowd-pleasers are sure to make your meal even more festive.
1. Spanish Rice
Spanish rice, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, is an easy addition that works great with taco bowls.
- Why it works: Spanish rice offers a savory, slightly spiced flavor that complements taco bowls without being too overpowering. It’s a great side if you’re wondering what starchy dish to serve with a taco bowl for a crowd.
2. Margaritas or Agua Fresca
Refreshing drinks are essential when serving taco bowls at a party. Margaritas, whether classic or frozen, are a crowd favorite. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, agua fresca, a light, fruit-flavored drink, is also a great choice.
- Why it works: Margaritas and agua fresca balance the richness of taco bowls. Moreover, they add a fun, festive element to the meal.
3. Chips and Queso
Chips and queso are always a hit at gatherings. The creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with tortilla chips and can be drizzled over taco bowls for extra flavor.
- Why it works: Chips and queso are indulgent and rich. They add a delicious, decadent touch that pairs perfectly with taco bowls, especially for large groups.
How to Choose the Best Sides for a Taco Bowl
When selecting sides, consider balance. Heavier taco bowls with meats and starches pair well with light, fresh sides like salads or grilled vegetables. On the other hand, if the bowl is veggie-heavy, heartier sides like refried beans or rice add richness and make the meal more filling.
Also, think about texture. Taco bowls often include creamy ingredients like avocado and cheese. Therefore, adding a crunchy side such as tortilla chips or grilled corn provides contrast and makes the meal more satisfying. What to serve with a taco bowl often depends on how you want to balance flavors and textures.
FAQs: What Do You Serve with a Taco Bowl?
Q1: What are some good drink pairings for taco bowls?
Refreshing drinks like margaritas, iced tea, or agua fresca complement taco bowls. These beverages balance the bold flavors and enhance the meal.
Q2: Can I serve a taco bowl with chips and guacamole?
Yes! Chips and guacamole make an excellent side dish that pairs well with a taco bowl. They add a satisfying crunch while enhancing the flavors of the dish.
Q3: What kind of salad goes well with taco bowls?
A simple green salad, a black bean and corn salad, or pico de gallo all pair beautifully with taco bowls. These salads are light, refreshing, and provide balance to a rich, hearty taco bowl.
Q4: What starchy sides pair well with a taco bowl?
Sides like cilantro lime rice, Spanish rice, or refried beans are ideal starchy dishes to serve with taco bowls. They add a comforting, filling element to your meal.
Q5: Can I serve a taco bowl with grilled vegetables?
Absolutely! Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions provide a smoky, savory complement to the flavors of a taco bowl.
Now that you know what to serve with a taco bowl, you can elevate your next meal with the perfect side dishes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a casual dinner, these sides will enhance your taco bowl experience and bring a variety of flavors and textures to the table. Enjoy!